Firearms and prevention of terrorism case: |28 January 2023

Frank Marie’s bail conditions varied

Former bodyguard of ex-President France Albert Rene and ex-army lieutenant Frank Marie, one of the accused in the firearms and prevention of terrorism case, has been granted a variation to his bail conditions by the Supreme Court, following an application by his legal counsel Joel Camille.

The Supreme Court yesterday varied the conditions allowing Mr Marie to leave his home freely, except during the hours of 6pm to 8am which he must remain at home.

Mr Marie was released on conditional bail on February 25, 2022 after attorney Camille had objected to bail and provided court with two medical reports detailing several health issues from which Mr Marie suffers, including heart and eye-related conditions, requiring medication.

Mr Marie who was 82 at the time, was also said to be suffering from stress from being in custody at the time, it was argued.

Considering his age and health concerns, Chief Justice Rony Govinden who is also the presiding judge in the matter, had initially concluded that the medical information provided justifies the release of Mr Marie, subject to a number of conditions including weekly reporting to the Mont Fleuri police station on Monday at 10am.

Additionally, Marie was required to submit his passport or identification documents to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, to pay a bail bond of R100,000, and to remain at home asides from court appearances or visits to a medical practitioner.

The remaining accused in the matter, including Mukesh and Laura Valabhji and Leslie Benoiton are on remand until February 10.

Laura Pillay